Written by: Alicia

“Put it on your list” is now a common saying around my house. If you are a Mom or Dad to young kids then you need to adopt this saying too. It has saved me from numerous melt-downs in department stores and even toy stores.

This is how my saying came about. One day I was checking out of a department store with triplets in tow. Next to the cashier is the unavoidable clutter of junk; candy, toys and lighters. Of course my kids wanted it all. They were grabbing everything and crying when I said, “No. Not today.” It turned into a huge scene and actually very embarrassing for me.

I knew I had to come up with something or else I would never be able to take my kids shopping with me. It was one month before Christmas and I decided to hang three “Wish Lists” on the fridge. I told the kids we would write down everything they want for Christmas and then send the lists to Santa.

One week later I was ready to try to take them shopping with me again. This is what I told them before we entered the store, “Kids. We are going to shop today for certain items I need to buy. We are not shopping for toys today. I repeat we are not shopping for toys today. If you see anything you want then you need to tell me and I will add that to your list. You are not allowed to touch or pick up anything. Just point and say, ‘I want that on my list Mommy.’”

The kids agreed and we walked into the store. It was the most pleasant store outing I had experienced in months. The kids just looked at everything around them, pointed at certain items they wanted and said, “Mommy, I want that on my list.” Not one of them picked anything up. Not one of them cried. It actually turned into a fun game.

When we got home, I wrote down the items they wanted onto their lists and that was that. I promise you it was that simple. My triplets had just turned four so I am not sure this will work with older kids but it seems to work well with four year olds. I have been keeping a list (mostly a mental list by now) on everything they ask for when we are in a store. It has been ten months now, since I implemented this great idea and it still works! No fussiness….ever.

Every now and then I will surprise them and get them something on their list in order to keep this idea alive. They get so excited about it. I tell them I will buy items from time to time but the remaining items will be sent to Santa at the end of the year. I say, “Santa will decide what items on your list to get for you. He can’t get them all but he will try to give you your favorites.” They are so content with this. I can’t believe it.

Their lists are pretty darn long and I don’t know how much longer they will buy this but for now it makes a shopping trip pleasant. It makes heading towards the junk aisle less stressful. Who knew five little words would make shopping with four-year-old triplets so easy. “Put it on your list” works in Toy R Us too! Give it a try.

Happy Shopping,
Alicia